Kismet Cafe — Restaurant in Austin

Absolute best Middle-Eastern food in the entire region! Very high quality. My favorite is the chicken shish tawook plate, which is served over rice with a side of tabbouleh salad. You can get sides of fresh fried vegetables (zucchini slices, cauliflower, eggplant) and they have a variety of delicious sauces for dipping and drizzling. My favorite is the creamy jalapeño/green sauce. They have garlic sauce, and a red sauce that's good too. The rice is a must-have, seasoned perfectly with a magical spice blend. The shish tawook sometimes takes a little while to cook, but it's worth every minute of wait. They have a variety of sides, such as stuffed grape leaves (dolmas), fries, lentil soup, and delicious baklava and desserts.

I'm originally from a place that has a lot of middle eastern options, so I'm familiar with how it's traditionally done, and these guys do it right. The only thing they "Texified" was the jalapeño sauce, but it's delicious so I'll let that slide, I could literally do shots of it. I've been eating here, and at their twin restaurant (Halal Corner), for many years. I even have several friends who drive up from San Antonio to eat here. Once you try it you will get hooked on it.

My only suggestion that could make things better would be if they had an oven and made their own small fresh pita. Sometimes I get tired of the only pita in Austin being from the same bakery, and not always fresh. That's just something they could do to make it even better. Everyone I have brought here ends up being a...

Kismet Café – A Gem for Halal Mediterranean Cuisine in Austin! #HalalinAustin (More food reviews around the world on IG: @sneha_speaks)

If you’re looking for flavorful, generous portions of Mediterranean food without the typical Austin price tag, Kismet Café is the place to go. With Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine that caters to halal, vegetarian, and vegan diets, this spot offers something for everyone.

The food portions are big and satisfying, offering incredible value for the price. My go-to recommendation is their P12, which combines the best of two menu favorites: the lamb mashawi and sheesh kabab. This platter comes with tender, flavorful meat, served with a delicious combo of rice, fresh salad, creamy hummus, and warm pita bread. The taziki sauce on the side adds the perfect zesty touch, and for those who like a bit of heat, the hot sauce option is a must-try.

Even if you’re not usually a fan of wraps, Kismet’s are worth a try – packed with flavor and made with fresh ingredients, they won’t disappoint.

One of the standout qualities is the restaurant’s clean, welcoming atmosphere, complete with an outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying a meal with the family on a nice day. The cashiers are always friendly, adding to the inviting vibe.

Overall, Kismet Café is a fantastic spot for anyone craving authentic Mediterranean food with a halal...

This place has great food and if you haven't tried the food yet, then you should definitely at least try it once. Both Shwarma wraps (chicken and beef) are the best items on the menu; their special garlic sauce does its magic and makes the wrap super delicious (even if you hate garlics, like me, you should have no fear to try this sandwich). Lamb Mashawi and Gyro are also great and definitely worth trying; just be sure to order before dropping by because it'd take almost half an hour to make lamb Mashawi and Sheesh kabab. It's really difficult to judge their dulma, falafel, and Sheesh kabab; they taste almost completely depending on which restaurant has made them because different regions in middle East use different recipes to prepare them, and the only thing I can say about the kismet version is that it's not the best (but you might like it). I am only giving Kismet three stars for a couple of reasons. First, is that the place could be a tiny bit cleaner; secondly, their salad side is never fresh, and the lettuce that they use in wraps is usually pale and black. Overall, Kismet is a great cozy place to enjoy a variety of middle...